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NAIROBI, 13th January 2022,* (PSCU)—*President Uhuru Kenyatta has called on
politicians to work together with a view of improving the lives of all
Kenyans saying he will continue engaging with all leaders, irrespective of
their political persuasions, so as to ensure that Kenya becomes a strong
and united nation.
President Uhuru Kenyatta and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga during a
new year luncheon hosted for Members of Parliament at State House, Nairobi.
Speaking at State House, Nairobi on Thursday during a new year luncheon
hosted for Members of Parliament, the President reminded politicians to
conduct peaceful campaigns ahead of the forthcoming general elections.
President Uhuru Kenyatta makes his remarks during a new year luncheon
hosted for Members of Parliament at State House, Nairobi.
“I hope and pray that this spirit we have started with, we shall be able to
carry on with it through till elections are over and for us to be able to
bequeath again a new administration peace, togetherness and a focus on the
issues that affect the people of this Republic,” the President said.
The Head of State commended Members of Parliament for passing crucial
bills, which he said, are key to improving governance and delivery of
services to Kenyans.
President Uhuru Kenyatta makes his remarks during a new year luncheon
hosted for Members of Parliament at State House, Nairobi.
“Let me say how wonderful it is to be with you at the beginning of the year
and be able to share a meal. Let me take this opportunity to thank you from
the bottom of my heart for the commitment you’ve shown especially by those
of you from the National Assembly national assembly during this holiday
period.
President Uhuru Kenyatta makes his remarks during a new year luncheon
hosted for Members of Parliament at State House, Nairobi.
“We all know that it was a very difficult holiday period because of
Covid-19 but you turned out in huge numbers. You left your homes, you left
your families and came out in huge numbers to pass pieces of legislation
that are going to be a game changer.
“The passage of the anti-money laundering bill, for example, will ensure
that we are able to continue being part of the international financial
system, and to have a respected banking system that can only help improve
and mature our economy,” he said.
The President, who was joined at the luncheon by former Prime Minister
Raila Odinga, said the passage of the National Hospital Insurance Fund Bill
will enable the government to fulfil its universal health coverage pledge.
“The bill on NHIF and the other acts around the health sector are now going
to open up and give us the opportunity to be able to give our people that
which we promised them of the universal healthcare,” he said.
On Political Parties (Amendment) Bill, President Kenyatta said the law is
aimed at improving the country’s governance system and regretted that some
leaders were demonising the amendment for short-term political gain.
“And the political parties amendment that we are trying to push through
which some people have tried to demonise as they demonised BBI. The bill is
giving us an opportunity to be able to formally work together across
political parties in the interest of the nation,” the President said.
He urged the Senate to emulate the National Assembly in passing the
Political Parties (Amendment) Bill and other laws before them so to ensure
the country attains its development goals.
In his remarks, Mr Odinga ODM leader Raila Odinga commended MP’s for
passing the Political Parties (Amendment) and urged the Senate to emulate
the National Assembly for the benefit of all Kenyans.
The 2022 Presidential Candidate said constitutional making is work in
progress noting that Kenyans desire laws that will ensure good governance.
“I just want to say, like it has been said before, that law and
constitution making is always work in progress. Even the old age
constitution, democratic constitution of Unites States of America, is still
work in progress, and they have got several amendments which they always
put to use the 5th Amendment, 6th Amendment and so on and so forth.
“So, really, it is not a crime for somebody to see something is wrong in
our constitution or in our law that we need to change, because it always
makes things better.
“They say that a good idea always yields to a better idea, and a better
idea would yield to the best idea. So what you guys are doing is basically
trying to improve governance in our country. So we really want to thank you
very, very sincerely for what you did,” Mr Odinga said.
Other speakers at the bipartisan luncheon, attended by MPs from across the
political divide, included Leaders of Majority in the National Assembly and
Senate Amos Kimunya and Samuel Poghisio as well as Senate Deputy Speaker
Prof Margaret Kamar